15 Cafes in Cape Town for the Best Coffee

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Cape Town is a city fraught with beauty and history, and besides the many attractions, its cafes are much sought after by locals and tourists alike. Cape Town's cafes have a vibrant café culture ranging from quaint, trendy, quirky, boisterous, and more. But one thing common across all is their delicious artisan coffee beside the other delicacies. Here is taking a look at some of the best cafés in Cape Town.

1. Truth Coffee Roasting Café

Delicacies at Truth Coffee Roasting Café — Source

Voted as the ‘World’s best coffee shop’ more than once, need we say more! Truth Coffee Roasting Café is one of the finest cafes in Cape Town, serving excellent roasted brews. Also, one of the trendiest and coolest cafes in town, Truth Coffee Roasting Café is themed on steampunk interiors. Its vibes instantly hit you on stepping inside the café; the surroundings strewn with metal and pipes are chic and attractive. The café has an exciting yet laid-back ambience, along with a wonderful staff who is helpful, happy, and willing to share their knowledge on coffee.

Must try dishes
Truth Coffee Roasting Café’s coffee is remarkable. The Probat coffee roaster in the café is vintage equipment loaded with modern functions. It is hard to compare the coffee at this café with any other world with distinct flavours. The café also serves tea selections, including High Tea, wine, and beer. One must try the French toasts, pudding, chocolate croissant, Benedict eggs, and coquet monsieur.

Approximate cost for two: R120
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The café has After Dark hours from Monday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to Midnight
Location: 36, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town City Centre

2. Honest Chocolate Café

Dining at the Honest Chocolate Cafe — Source

As the name suggests, the Honest Chocolate Café is all about chocolate and more. A ‘bean to bar’ outlet, the café uses traditional and handmade methods to create pure chocolate and its related products. With its beautiful outdoor setup, one can sit under the shade of trees or twinkling lights while indulging in heavenly delicacies. The indoor seating is cosy and comfortable. and visitors are often seen taking a romantic stroll outside.

Must try dishes
The Honest Chocolate Café serves coffee, tea, and hot chocolate varieties. However, its many chocolate treats are a sumptuous delight. Some of these include tarts, chocolate truffles, and assortments of different types of cakes, brownies, bonbons, banana bread bunny chow, ice creams, and more. The café also has a large range of vegan dishes.

Approximate cost for two: R140
Timings: Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday – 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Location: 64A, Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre

3. Ground Art Café

Relaxing at the Ground Art Cafe — Source

The Ground Art Café treats its coffee, art, and food with equal attention and detailing. The unique coffee and a simple yet healthy menu are the café’s main highlights. Besides, a wall dedicated to art and exhibits is a perfect den for art lovers. But the splendid views of the Table Mountains are the show-stoppers. The café is flooded with natural lighting throughout the day, and the peaceful quiet of the interiors is as calming as its unique coffee. Added, there is free Wi-Fi that attracts workers who want to work online.

Must try dishes
Ground Art Café’s distinct African Arabica Coffee is a must-try for sure. Roasted by artisan roasters, the coffee is low in caffeine, naturally sweet and fresh in taste. Besides the refreshing coffee, the café serves healthy and fresh juices, baked pastries, antipasti, panini, and more. The café also offers vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free items.

Approximate cost for two: R100
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday – 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday- 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 160, Strand Street, Cape Town

4. Deluxe Coffeeworks

Deluxe Coffeeworks is a café where only coffee works. With no food or Wi-Fi, this café is for pure coffee lovers. Known for its excellent brews, the Deluxe Coffeeworks is also a wonderful hub to interact with the owners and other visitors. The interiors are minimalistic, with wooden floors and grey walls, giving the café a somewhat retro look. Though starting as a small café, today it has many branches in Cape Town, and its outlets are also found in Namibia and Stellenbosch.

Must try dishes
With coffee as its main dish, the Deluxe Coffeeworks serves a wide range, including latte, American, Espresso, and more. The coffee beans are imported from Brazil, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Kenya and are served as a Flat White, Short Black, Cappuccino, and more. The café also serves juices for kids or for those looking to sip something else in between coffee. One can try the pear and cherry or a mix of both. The juices are without preservatives and served fresh.

Approximate cost for two: R 38
Timings and Locations:
-171a Buitenkant Street Gardens, Cape Town. Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
-25, Church Street, CBD, Cape Town. Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday closed
-8 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM -4:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday closed
-81, Rose Street, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday closed
-6, Transvaal Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday closed

5. Origin Coffee Roasting Café

Meeting up at the Origin Coffee Roasting Cafe — Source

With coffee curated from across the globe, Origin Coffee Roasting Café in Cape Town serves authentic, high-quality coffee. It also has a barista school/academy that trains thousands of people in coffee making. The café is located in a brick warehouse and is one of the first cafes in the country to boast artisan coffee roasters. With seating indoors and an outdoor courtyard, it is also one of the coolest cafes in town. The café also has an exciting menu, packed with various delicacies and an interesting all-day cafe, as well as an evening café that caters to those who want to drink cocktails or wine.

Must try dishes
Besides the luxurious kinds of coffees and blends, the other must-try dishes on the menu include vegan options, gluten-free dishes, baked goodies, and more. Try Benedict eggs, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, cold brews, hazelnut iced coffee, hot oat and chia bowl, filled omelette, different morning pastries, bagel, homemade sauces, etc.

Approximate cost for two: R 200
Timings: Monday to Friday - 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday – 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town

6. Houtbay Coffee

The Houtbay Coffee Café in Cape Town is rustic and has village vibes. Not a slick, modern café outlet, its roughness and rawness stand out. With wooden tables and chairs, it has an air of authentic pleasures. Undoubtedly, the world-class coffee helps to enhance the charm of the Houtbay Coffee Café. All the beans are hand roasted, and coffee is served in reusable cups. The simplicity of décor, along with the genuineness of service, makes Houtbay Coffee Café worth a visit.

Must try dishes
The café serves fantastic coffees of different kinds. With seven single-origin coffees and two Signature blends, one must try their cappuccino and filter coffees. The café also serves tea and light snacks, such as pies and cakes.

Approximate cost for two: R 60
Timings: All days 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Mainstream Shopping Centre, Cnr Main, Princess Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town

7. Espresso Lab Microroaster

Roasting at the Espresso Lab Microroaster — Source

When one enters the Espresso Lab Microroaster, the white clinical interiors might surprise you. Have you entered a real laboratory? The menu on the wall is inspired by the periodic table, where E stands for espresso, Ca for cappuccino, and LA for a latte. However, despite the order and method of arrangement, the café exudes warmth and comfort. Situated down a flight of stairs in the basement, this vividly lit-up café strives to serve the best speciality coffee in Cape Town. With V60, Chemex, and Aeropress methods, the coffee here is fresh, authentic, and delicious. Also, since the café is situated in the Old Biscuit Mill, you can visit it on a Saturday market trip.

Must try dishes
The café offers a wide range of coffee brews. One must try their cappuccinos and cold brew tonic. Besides, the blend of coffees from Costa Rica and Ethiopia is an excellent choice too.

Approximate cost for two: R 50
Timings: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

8. Jason Bakery

Jason Bakery is considered one of the top ten cafes in Cape Town. High-end, modern, and chic most of its dishes are inspired by Italian cuisine. The sophisticated, interiors and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the magnificent views of the beach outside are a stunning addition to the café’s décor. It is also one of the busiest cafes in the city, and finding an empty seat is a rare feat. However, you can pre-order various dishes, such as pastries, bagels, cookies, croissants, etc., to pick up with the morning coffee. The café also scores extra brownie points for its excellent and quick staff and clean and hygienic service.

Must try dishes
The doughssant is a must-try dish that is a hybrid between a croissant and a doughnut. Besides, the café serves bagels, bread, savoury and sweet pastries, brioche, doughnuts, pizzas, quinoa salad, curry burgers, and much more. The café also has weekly specials, such as scones, croclair, tebirkes, etc. served on different days of the week.

Approximate cost for two: R 150
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday – 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday closed
Location: 83, Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

9. Tribe Coffee Foundry Café and Roastery

Coffee at the Tribe Coffee Foundry Cafe — Source

The Tribe Coffee Foundry Café has a couple of outlets throughout Cape Town. However, the City Centre branch is sleek and modern, with dark wood furniture and concrete floors. On the other hand, its original and first outlet in the outskirts of the city at Woodstock is more casual and cool, with seating packed in the verandah. Situated in an area that is well known for its many galleries and cafes, the crowd that visits the Woodstock branch is fun and relaxed, just like the interiors of the café. Yet, the standard of food and coffee remains exceptional no matter which outlet.

Must try dishes
Cappuccinos made from Malawi Gold beans and flat white coffee are the must-try coffee dishes of the Tribe Coffee Foundry Café. Some of its other delicious blends include the Sunday Morning, Lover’s Blend, Organic Decaf, Espresso Blend, and more. Besides coffee, one can try other items on the menu are the omelette, sandwiches, fresh juices, and more.

Approximate cost for two: R 200
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday – 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday closed
Location:
The Woodstock Foundry, 160 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Towon
112, Buitengracht Road, CBD, Cape Town

10. Rosetta Roastery

Fun times at the Rosetta Roastery — Source

Rosetta Roastery has one of the best coffees in Cape Town and has, in fact, won the title for two years straight for the same. A funky yet sophisticated and fun café, Rosetta’s fresh roasted coffee is sure to strike a chord. Also, the café hosts client training sessions, where visitors can learn more about sourcing, methodology, etc., for preparing that perfect cup of coffee.

Must try dishes
The café serves three daily blends and special blends for both slow brews and pour-over coffees. The Classic blends are ideal for Moka – pot brews and French press, whereas the Progressive blends are served black. Some of its best-known coffee works include the Kyoto cold brew, which is served black with ice cubes. Besides the coffee, one can also try their bulk beans, hot chocolate, and amazing pastries.

Timings and location
Bree Street Café
97, Bree Street, C/o Bree Street and Shortmarket Street, Cape TownMonday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday – 8:00 AM – 2:00 P

Silo District Bar, Inside the Yard Restaurant, Silo 4, Silo District, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Roastery, Salt River

11. Kamili Coffee

Kamili means ‘perfect’ in Swahili. And with its perfect coffee and ambiance, this café is one of the favorite hangouts for coffee lovers. Located in a restored shop, Kamili Café has the feel of a warehouse. The roastery is on top of the café, up a flight of wooden stairs. The walls are gray, LED lights shine from above, white tiles adorn the floor and the wooden benches and tables create a surreal atmosphere. The coffee is sourced and roasted with utmost care resulting in delectable coffee. Also, the café is located right next to the Red Bus Stop, making it a convenient pick-up coffee point for hurried mornings and evenings.

Must try dishes
Kamili Café serves different coffee varieties, such as mocha, latte, white flat and also special blends that include the Kamili Khaya (a mix of 2 African coffees) or Lion Heart (Columbian and Ethiopian coffee). However, besides the coffee, the café is also popular for its lip-smacking croissants. Other must-try dishes include pastries, muffins, omelets, hot chocolate, chicken salad, and more.

Approximate cost for two: R 75
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 29, Shortmarket Street and Long Street, Cape Town

12. Heaven Coffee Shop

The way to heaven for many is through the church. And the Heaven Coffee Shop located inside a Methodist church cannot have a more apt name. One can sip the coffee at the pews or enjoy it outside. With light music, lots of plants, and peaceful vibes, this café checks all the possible boxes for a unique and wonderful café experience. Besides, if you are interested in the history of the church, all you need to do is chat with the friendly owner and staff.

Must try dishes
Try the luxurious cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate, and rusks at the Heaven Coffee Shop. The cupcakes are cute and complement the coffee fantastically.

Approximate cost for two: R 60
Timings: Monday to Saturday- 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday closed
Location: 38, Burg Street, Cape Town

13. Bootlegger Coffee Company

The Bootlegger Coffee Company has several outlets in Cape Town. Trusted by its visitors, all the branches serve excellent roasted and brewed coffee of different types. With its crisp and sleek style, the café interiors are all about comfortable leather seating, charcoal walls, cement floors, and their trademark neon sign that features an AC/DC song. Each outlet store has a different song on its signboard. The Bootlegger Coffee Company has a panache and attitude, coupled with its authentic and delicious coffee and dining options.

Must try dishes
The café sources its beans from Tanzania, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The coffee has hints of caramel, hazelnuts, and dark chocolate making the blends quite exceptional. Some of the coffee variations served here are espresso, latte, Cortado, Americano, and more. The other dishes that one must try at the Bootlegger Coffee Company include burgers, Benedict eggs, Avo hummus toast, bagels, banana bread, chicken and salmon salads, etc. Besides coffee, some of the popular drinks are milkshakes, smoothies, hot chocolate, butterscotch latte, and more.

Approximate cost for two: R 200
Timings: Monday to Friday – 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location:
-The Majestic, 125 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
-80, Beach Road, Muizenberg Cape Town
-Shop 9, Forest Glade House, 98 Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town
-21 Dreyer Street, Shop 04, Sunclare Building, Claremont, Cape Town
-The Harrington, 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town

14. Dapper Coffee Co

The Dapper Coffee Co is a café for coffee and car connoisseurs. Large and spacious, the café invites customers for coffee and to check out the vintage car collections. One can look at the range of cars, including the Ferrari GTO, Porsche 911, Mercedes convertibles, and more. The ambiance is upbeat and energetic, but it also has an old-world charm. A massive window overlooks the busy street outside adding to the fervor and vivacity of the cafe. Unlike other cafes, the coffee beans are not roasted in-house, but that does not mean that the coffee here is any less in taste.

Must try dishes
The café serves a great range of coffee variations, such as lattes, flat white, cappuccino, espresso, organic decaf, and more. There are also cold coffees and teas that include chai latte, ice coffee, and more. Besides, you can try their toasted sandwiches, bagels, Panini, and wraps.

Approximate cost for two: R 140
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Sunday closed
Location: 61, Bree Street, Cape Town

15. Molten Toffee

Working away at the Molten Toffee Cafe — Source

Molten Toffee is the quintessential café, with its mellow settings and amazing coffee. Clean, hygienic, and homely, the staff is helpful and friendly. The interiors are comfortable creating an environment for workers in the CBD with laptops, as well as for people who want to have a good conversation with the community. The color coordination of the seating and furniture is very ‘coffee’ like itself, highlighting hues of brown and caramel. The copper lights, cork tables, and stools along with the perfect music selection are other highlights of Molten Toffee. Besides, the eateries are tasty with both breakfast and lunch options available.

Must try dishes
The Molten Toffee serves different varieties of coffee. Their blends are strong and leave a lasting impression on the palette. Some of the other dishes include homemade muesli, toasted sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, and soups. One can try the halloumi sandwich, the chicken mayo toasted sandwich, the chicken kofta wrap etc.